Ferno AquaBoard User manual

Aquaboard Immobilisation
System
Operation and
Maintenance Manual

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 1
Table of Contents
Section 1 Introduction
Introduction 1.1
Ferno Aquaboard Immobilisation System 1.2
Technical Specifications 1.2.2
Warranty 1.2.3
Unit Identification 1.3
Section 2 Preparing Unit for Use
Set Up 2.1
Attaching the Back Support 2.1.1
Attaching the Head Restraint 2.1.2
Attaching the Body Straps 2.1.3
Folding and Storing the Straps 2.1.4
Section 3 Principles of Operation
Operation 3.1
Preparing the Ferno Aquaboard for use 3.1.1
Positioning the Ferno Aquaboard under the casualty 3.1.2
Securing the casualty to the Ferno Aquaboard 3.1.3
Removal of the Casualty from the water 3.1.4
Section 4 Maintenance Log
Service and Maintenance 4.1
Cleaning and Sanitization 4.2
Section 5 Parts List Information
General 5.1
Ordering Information 5.2
The Aquaboard Immobilisation System has been designed in conjunction with
the RLSS UK and forms a part of their Spinal Injury Management Programme.
Due to our constant improvement programme, units are subject to change without notice.

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 2
Section 1 Introduction
PREFACE
This manual has been prepared to provide general instructions for the proper usage and
maintenance of the Ferno Aquaboard. Specific applications and operating techniques may
vary from user to user. Ferno does not intend or recommend that this product be used for
any purpose other than for which it is designed as outlined in this manual. Any other use or
application of this product becomes the complete responsibility of the owner/user. The
Ferno Aquaboard is designed to aid in the immobilisation and transfer of a patient from a
swimming pool or similar indoor water environment to another location with minimal
movement and discomfort to the patient.
PROPRIETARY NOTICE
The information and design disclosed herein are the property of Ferno (UK) Limited, a
division of Ferno-Washington Incorporated. Ferno reserves all patents, proprietary design,
manufacturing, reproduction use, and sales rights thereto, and to any articles disclosed
therein, except to the extent that rights are expressly granted to others. The foregoing
does not apply to vendor proprietary parts.
Specifications remain subject to change to allow the introduction of design improvements.
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 Precautions for Safety
To ensure safety and satisfaction with your new Ferno Aquaboard, all lifeguards/rescuers
should read these instructions completely before attempting to use the Aquaboard.
WARNING
•Only qualified personnel trained in the use of this board should use it.
•Never exceed the maximum load capacity.
•Every individual who may use the board should practice using it to
become familiar with the procedures before placing this product into
regular service and should undergo a certified training course. Training in
use of the board may be obtained through the Royal Life Saving Society
UK.
Failure to heed these warnings may result in injury or death.

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 3
1.2 FERNO AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
The Ferno Aquaboard is designed to effectively immobilise a casualty in the water prior to
recovery on the poolside. With the incorporation of several innovative design features, we
believe you will find this board easy, quick and effective to use during an aquatic
emergency.
The Ferno Aquaboard features the following:
•A concave design for easy positioning under a under a supported casualty in the
water and subsequent centralising of the casualty on the board.
•A convex underside with protected straps and built in runners to facilitate easy
recovery onto the poolside.
•Straps and head restraint with a wide range of adjustments to allow for the
immobilisationof a range of casualty sizes.
•Colour coded straps for easy identification during the recovery of the casualty.
•A non-slip and padded back support to ensure that the casualty does not move
once strapped to the board.
•Multiple hand holds that allow for easy carrying away from the water without
jeopardising the rigidity of the board.
1.2.2 Technical Specifications*
Length of Aquaboard 183cm
Width of Aquaboard 43cm
Length of Neoprene Back Support 108cm
Width of Neoprene Back Support 26cm
Width of Neoprene Back Support (Head End) 16.5cm
Max. Load Capacity†182kg
Head Restraint Neoprene
Body and Leg Straps Polypropylene
The Ferno Aquaboard is radio translucent and compatible with X-Rays, magnetic
resonators and CT Scanners and does not need to be removed for these procedures.
The Ferno Aquaboard is shipped complete with wall bracket, five colour coded straps and
buckles, a neoprene padded back support and an adjustable head restraint as standard.

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 4
1.2.3 Warranty
The Ferno Aquaboard has been carefully inspected prior to despatch and is fully covered
by warranty. We warrant all Ferno equipment to be free of defects in the material and
workmanship. Any product claimed defective and caused by materials or workmanship
within one year after date of purchase will receive our prompt investigation and a fair
adjustment. Obligation is limited to replacement or repair of defective components.
We cannot assume responsibility for repairs made by anyone other than an authorised
Ferno repair centre.
You are advised to inspect the strapping system regularly and to replace the straps, back
support and head restraint every three years.
1.3 UNIT IDENTIFICATION
*All dimensions are approximate
†Maximum Load Capacity is total weight distributed in accordance with basic human anatomy proportions.
Attendants must consider the weight of the casualty and equipment when determining total load.

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 5
Section 2 Preparing Unit for Use
2.1 SET UP
The Ferno Aquaboard is shipped in a cardboard box. Inside the box along with the
Aquaboard, you will find a plastic bag containing the back support, head restraint and body
straps. Before assembly, check that the pack contains the following items:
1. Black neoprene back support, printed on one side.
2. Black neoprene head restraint with three retaining straps.
3. Five body straps, each in two parts and with coloured buckles –green, blue,
orange, black and white.
2.1.1 Attaching the Back Support
With the concave side of the board face up, place the back support on the board with the
printed surface uppermost and the head icon at the top of the board.
The Back Support is attached to the board using the Velcro tapes. Starting at the head
end, pass each tape through the slots in the board and attach the Velcro tapes to each
other behind the board,pulling them taught and tucking the ends into the slots to prevent
them from snagging.
Repeat this for each of the other four tapes until the back support has been securely
attached to the board (as in fig 2-2). Check that there are no loose tapes protruding from
the back of the board.
Fig 2-1
Fig 2-2

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 6
2.1.2 Attaching the head restraint
To install the head restraint, place it over the icon of the head (printed on the back support)
with the apex of the restraint pointing towards the top of the Ferno Aquaboard (as in fig 2-3
below).
Push the free end of the top strap through the right hand top slot, then round the back to
come back through the left hand slot. Now pass through the middle of the buckle on the
top of the board, and pull tight through the left handpart (as in fig 2-4 below).
The two bottom straps go through the two bottom outermost slots. Pass the free end of the
strap through the slot and fasten it to the buckle. Turn the strap back on itself and pass it
through the outermost bar of thebuckle for added security. Pull tight.
NOTE: When attaching the Head Restraint to the Ferno Aquaboard, the straps must be
pulled as tightly as possible to prevent slippage.
For clarity in showing these procedures, the back support has been removed on these
photographs.
Fig 2-3
Fig 2-4
Fig 2-5

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 7
2.1.3 Attaching the body straps
The body straps are attached to the long slots down either side of the Aquaboard. Starting
with the strap with the green buckle, ensure that both halves of the buckle are connected
and lay the strap across the board on top of the back support, adjacent to the two top
outermost slots.
Pass the left hand of the strap through the top left hand slot, bring the free end round the
outside of the slot and then back through the retaining buckle. Pull the free end of the strap
tight. For increased security this end may also be pulled back on itself through the buckle
again.
Take the free end of the strap back through the outermost bar of the buckle to secure it
and prevent slipping. Pull the strap tight. Repeat this process with the right hand part of the
green buckle strap, adjusting both parts of the body strap to ensure that the neoprene pad
lies centrally across the board.
Repeat this procedure to attach the remaining straps to each of the other four pairs of
outermost slots and in the following order down the length of the board, as the strap
lengths vary to fit the contours of the body.
Blue
Orange
Black
White
Once all of the straps have been attached to the board, ensure that the retaining buckles
are tightly adjusted and that each strap has been passed back through the outermost bar
of the buckle for additional security.
Fig 2-6
Fig 2-7

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 8
2.1.4 Folding and Storing the Straps
There is a Velcro retaining tape on the right hand part of each strap, adjacent to the
coloured buckle. This is provided for storing the adjustable part of the body strap so that it
is ready for immediate use.
Starting with the strap with the green buckle, release the tape and fold the strap, zigzag
fashion, on top of the tape attachment point, finishing with the free end of the strap facing
the centre of the board.
Pass the tape around the folded strap and secure it behind the body of the strap by
pressing the Velcro sections together. When correctly secured, the adjustable strap should
be easily pulled out from the securing tape without the need to undo the tape.
Repeat this process with the four remaining straps, checking that the straps will release
freely.
The Aquaboard is now ready to be mounted on its wall bracket and once in this position is
ready for use.
The Aquaboard strapping system should be cleaned in fresh water immediately after use,
whether for training or as a result of an emergency, allowed to dry naturally and
reassembled in the manner described in the set-up procedure.
Fig 2-8

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 9
Section 3 Principles of Operation
3.1 OPERATION
Once supported in the water by either three or four lifeguards/rescuers, the casualty is
ready to be removed from the water. It is essential that the casualty be removed from the
water as quickly as possible to prevent the onset of hypothermia and to facilitate the
administration of Expired Air Ventilation and Chest Compression, should this prove
necessary. The use of the Ferno Aquaboard allows the lifeguard/rescuer to ensure that
there is limited movement of the spine and head during this critical phase of the casualty’s
recovery.
3.1.1 Preparing the Ferno Aquaboard for Use
With the casualty supported in the water by three lifeguards/rescuers, a fourth
lifeguard/rescuer should prepare the board for use. The Emergency Action Plan should
take account of the need for this type of rescue and allow for a member of the
lifeguard/rescue team to bring the board to the site of the rescue whilst the rescue itself is
actually taking place.
The board should be prepared on the poolside by fully loosening the straps and head
restraint. As the board is placed in the water, the straps nearest to the casualty should be
eased under the board to prevent them becoming tangled.
3.1.2 Positioning the Ferno Aquaboard under the Casualty
Position the board alongside the casualty and align the head markings on the board with
the casualty’s head. Ensure that the board is correctly aligned and that the straps are not
tangled.
Tilt the board so that it is at right angles to the water and push it down into the water. The
design of the board is such that, as it submerges, it will slide under the casualty. Allow the
board to float up under the casualty.
With the casualty still supported by the team of lifeguards/rescuers, make any minor
adjustments to the position of the board. When satisfied that the board is correctly aligned,
the lifeguard/rescuer supporting the casualty’s lower limbs should slide his own hands out
from between the limbs and the board and move to the foot of the board, to take hold of it.
Fig 3-1

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 10
Similarly, the lifeguard/rescuer supporting the shoulders and the upper back should slide
his hands gently out and move to support the head end of the board.
At all times during these early stages, when securing the board, the lifeguard/rescuer
supporting the casualty’s head should ensure that the head and neck are maintained in
neutral alignment.
3.1.3 Securing the Casualty to the Ferno Aquaboard
The lifeguard/rescuer who has positioned the board should now secure the casualty to the
board. The chest strap should be secured first by clipping together the two halves of the
green buckle and gently tightening the strap, thus effectively securing the casualty to the
board.
The head restraint should be positioned over the forehead and tightened by gently pulling
the straps to secure the head. As the head restraint is placed over the forehead, the
lifeguard/rescuer supporting the head should ensure the head restraint is properly aligned
during tightening.
Once the lifeguard/rescuer is satisfied that the head restraint is in place and correctly
adjusted, the remaining straps should be secured, working down towards the casualty’s
feet and in the following order: Blue, Orange, Black and finally White. In each case, the
strap should be gently tightened before moving on to the next buckle.
Fig 3-3
Fig 3-2
Fig 3-4

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 11
When all of the straps are secure, it is important to ensure that all are correctly adjusted
and that the buckles are securely fastened and that the head restraint and straps are
tightened. The casualty is now ready to be removed from the water by lifeguards/rescuers.
3.1.4 Removal of the Casualty from the Water
The casualty must be removed from the water in a horizontal position. The
lifeguards/rescuers supporting the board should position the board at right angles to the
poolside. The team leader should climb onto the poolside to be ready to receive the board
as it comes out of the water. The other three lifeguards/rescuers should position
themselves with two supporting the head end (the heaviest end as the board comes out of
the water) and the third at the foot end.
Once the board is firmly on the poolside, it should be moved away from the water and
arrangements made to cover the casualty or, if desirable, move the casualty from the
poolside to a first aid room.
Fig 3-5
Fig 3-6

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 12
Section 4 Maintenance Log
4.1 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
The Ferno Aquaboard is covered by the Ferno warranty. In order to register your
purchase, please return the enclosed card.
After each use, inspect the board, straps and neoprene back support regularly for
indications of wear or damage. The Aquaboard should be checked weekly and this should
be recorded on the log sheet.
You are advised to replace the back support, head restraint and straps every 3 years to
ensure the Aquaboard is always in a sound condition and ready for immediate use.
4.2 CLEANING AND SANITIZING
After each use, the straps and pads may be cleaned with warm, soapy water. The
Aquaboard may also be cleaned with a hard surface disinfectant.
NOTE: After each use in chlorinated water, rinse the Ferno Aquaboard and straps with
fresh water.
Name of Centre _________________________________________________________
Date Purchased _________________________________________________________
Date Placed in Service____________________________________________________
Purchased From_________________________________________________________
Replace Straps & Back Support after 3 yrs on__________________________________
TRAINED PERSONNEL DATE OF TRAINING

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 13
DATE CLEANED Check condition of:
BOARD HEAD RESTRAINT NEOPRENE SUPPORT STRAPS PARTS
REPLACED CHECKED BY:

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 14
Section 5 Parts List Information
5.1 GENERAL
This section contains a listing of all replaceable parts of the Aquaboard Immobilisation
System. For the purposes of part identification, the unit is shown in a view, which is keyed
to the accompanying parts list. Each parts list contains the figure index part number, part
number and an abbreviated description.
5.2 ORDERING INFORMATION
Orders for Replacement Spare Parts should be directed to Ferno (UK) Limited, your
nearest authorised repair centre or your local dealer. For more information contact:
Ferno (UK) Limited
Ferno House
Stubs Beck Lane
Cleckheaton
West Yorkshire
BD19 4TZ
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Model Number __________________________________________
Serial Number __________________________________________
Date Received __________________________________________
Purchased From_________________________________________
Practice Completion Date__________________________________
Used on Vehicle Number __________________________________
You now own a Ferno Aquaboard Immobilisation System, manufactured for the Ferno
(UK) Division of Ferno-Washington Inc. The serial number for this product is located at the
head end of the convex side. Record the number with other pertinent information in the
space provided above. Retain this manual for future reference and include it with the
Ferno Aquaboard if you transfer the system to new owners.
With proper care and maintenance, we believe this product will provide you with years of
trouble free service. However, if it becomes necessary to order a replacement part or an
additional manual, reference to both the model and serial numbers will help us or your
local dealer supply the proper parts or literature. If extensive repairs ever need to be
made, please contact Ferno.
If questions arise regarding the use or care of this product that are not covered in this
manual, our Ferno Customer Service Department will be happy to assist you.

AQUABOARD IMMOBILISATION SYSTEM
FERNO/MAN/04/02/134/UK 15
5.3 REPLACEMENT SPARE PARTS
Item Part Number Description No. Rq’d
1038245100 Neoprene Back Support
2038245200 Head Restraint (head piece)
3038245400 Left Hand Retaining Strap for Head Restraint
4038245300 Right Hand Retaining Strap for Head Restraint
5038245500 Top retaining strap for Head Restraint
6038244600 Two Piece Body Strap (green)
7038244700 Two Piece Body Strap (blue)
8038244800 Two Piece Body Strap (orange)
9038244900 Two Piece Body Strap (black)
10 038245000 Two Piece Body Strap (white)
11 010776400 Wall Mount Bracket (not shown)

Ferno (UK) Ltd
Ferno House, Stubs Beck Lane, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, England,
BD19 4TZ
Tel: + 44 (0) 1274 851999 Fax: + 44 (0) 1274 851111
e-mail: [email protected]
Stock Code: 2003-0038